The restoration project, which was launched by Bishop Sebastian Francis in June 2016, is to restore the church to its original condition of 1928 as befitting this monumental landmark in the Georgetown Heritage zone.

The first wooden church was built in 1786 for Eurasians by Msgr Arnold Garnault, MEP. On the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August 1787, the church was named the Church of the Assumption. In 1857, the old church was demolished and replaced with the current church in Farquhar Street. In 1928, the church underwent an extension when two wings were added to cater for the growing Catholic population. The present restoration works commenced on 3rd October 2016.

The launch was preceded by Mass at St Francis Xavier Church, where the chairperson of the restoration committee, Fr Gerard Theraviam, exhorted the faithful that, as we thirst for the love of God, the church also thirsts for the generosity of its faithful to restore it to its former glory. Fr Gerard began the ball rolling by purchasing RM1,000.00 worth of tickets.

Fundraising chairperson John Lau explained that the sale of raffle tickets was projected to raise RM1 million. A total of 250,000 tickets will be offered for sale at RM5 per ticket. Well-wishers have contributed the Grand Prize of a Mazda 2 car, 1st Prize a Tomei Jewellery Set, 2nd Prize a 60” Samsung UHD TV, 3rd Prize a Star Cruise for two to Penang/Krabi/Phuket/Penang and 37 other prizes. The draw date will be on August 8.

Since the iconic church has its faithful diaspora spread all over the country and many people are very interested to support this restoration project, the committee will be looking to sell the raffle tickets around the country, with the blessings and permission of the various church authorities.